TTB Questions

[Vanguy]

I found someone selling a 93 F250 frame with all running gear here locally for $500 but noticed it has leaf springs in the front. Did they all come with leaf springs? Is it possible to switch this to a coil spring setup?

[TheLetterJ]

Dana 50 ttb had 8 on 6.5" hubs and all came with leaf springs from the factory. Dana 44 ttb were 5 on 5.5" and used coils/radius arms.

...but yes, it's common to weld new (custom) brackets to the d50 beams to convert them to coil, that's what Agile and a few others have been doing for years.

[1der]

I am pretty sure all the F250 HD TTB's were leaf. The conversions for the vans add perches for the coils.

[Vanguy]

Thanks. So is it common to use the radius arms from an F350, the radius arms from the van or fabricate new radius arms?

[carringb]

Originally Posted by Vanguy

Thanks. So is it common to use the radius arms from an F350, the radius arms from the van or fabricate new radius arms?

The TTB D50 F250 didn't have radius arms. I would advise against using the F150 D44 under a van. The newer SuperDuty radius arms won't work with the travel-path of the TTB (since it effectively travels in an arc, vs the mostly linear path of a solid axle). Best bet is modifying E-series arms to fit.

What do you want to accomplish, and what year/make/model/motor are you trying to stuff it other. I really like the TTB setups when they're done right, but doing it right isn't easy, and there's some trade-offs. Ramsey (Agile) used the TTB D50's as-in by adding perches and brackets, but QuadVan built them spec using longer axle shafts and moving the axle brackets to widen the track to match the original E-series track width. Both of them installed camber kits. Another reason to reconsider is the smaller brakes on them, compared to stock modern vans and 4x4s using the SuperDuty axles.

[Vanguy]

Thanks man. All good info. I was wondering about track width. I think best bet for me is to look for something thats allready put together. I have a 2014 E150 but prob gonna end up selling it cause I think I'm getting tired of projects. Was really hoping to end up with a TTB setup but also really like the Timberline 4 link setup. My goal is to end up with a daily driver that's off road capable, able to haul cargo, but still be nice enough inside to road trip and/or camp overnite in with an air mattress. Also might be pulling a trailer with one or two motorcycles and gear.

[Vanguy]

And duh. My bad on the F350 radius arms. As the other guys were saying the F350 had leaf springs.

[ctb]

How cool is it that you folks even know how to do ANY of that! I am always amazed at the talent on here!

[JWA]

Originally Posted by ctb

How cool is it that you folks even know how to do ANY of that! I am always amazed at the talent on here!

Word!

There certainly is a nice collection of talent and knowledge here, the cross section of current and previous experiences in different trades and such all converging in one small spot!